Post by helmsinepu on Dec 29, 2016 8:21:27 GMT -6
One of the bits of baggage we get from the big 3 monotheisms is that there's a perfect holy book, inspired by god, and it is without error.
Even for polytheist cultures with extensive written records, there just isn't a single holy book.
Mythology is also a hodgepodge of conflicting stories- we get the impression that myths are more universal because popular collections like Bullfinch's Mythology choose a single version. In reality, the stories are more chaotic, and I think they have a lot in common with fanfiction. Think of a bunch of Greek guys sitting around drinking wine in the evening: "Hey, here's a story about Hercules you've never heard! ..." "Oh yeah? I bet you can't top this one! ..."
For instance, when people think of Medea, they think of her killing her children to get revenge on her husband. And something horrible happens to Oedipus. But there are alternate versions of these stories!
We need to use our discernment when reading ancient texts.
Even for polytheist cultures with extensive written records, there just isn't a single holy book.
Mythology is also a hodgepodge of conflicting stories- we get the impression that myths are more universal because popular collections like Bullfinch's Mythology choose a single version. In reality, the stories are more chaotic, and I think they have a lot in common with fanfiction. Think of a bunch of Greek guys sitting around drinking wine in the evening: "Hey, here's a story about Hercules you've never heard! ..." "Oh yeah? I bet you can't top this one! ..."
For instance, when people think of Medea, they think of her killing her children to get revenge on her husband. And something horrible happens to Oedipus. But there are alternate versions of these stories!
We need to use our discernment when reading ancient texts.